By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte said he has never asked for “favorable" articles from the media but appealed only for “truth and fairness” in their reports.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a press conference at the Malacañan Palace on November 19, 2019. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The President made the statement towards the end of his hour-long press conference Tuesday night in Malacañang where he replied to several issues.
“Buhay pa man kayo, you covered me, you covered my presidency. Never asked anything…Wala akong hiningi na (I never asked) 'Write a favorable article for me,’” Duterte told Palace reporters.
"Ang hingiin ko lang sa kanila, I will just ask for the truth and fairness. That is all,” he added.
Duterte said media entities could publish anything but asked them not to “twist” their stories.
"You can publish anything as long as it is --- huwag mo nang i-twist. Publish mo. You show it to the public, I would not mind. I guarantee you. I will even protect you. I am asking only for truth and fairness. That is all,” he said.
The President's Tuesday's press conference was hastily arranged by the Palace Tuesday night. It was originally planned to be held at Bahay Pagbabago, the President’s residence, but was moved to the Heroes Hall, both inside Malacañang.
Duterte commented on various issues, from his refusal to appoint Vice President Leni Robredo to the Cabinet and the suspension of rice importation during the harvest season to the ban on the use and importation of vaping products.
The press conference lasted for an hour and 18 minutes. Duterte did not immediately leave the venue and instead invited the journalists for coffee.
"Gutom ako. Hindi pa kasi ako kumain (I'm hungry, I haven't eaten yet)," he said.